Report - Tata Manza nearing a phase-out

04/12/2014 - 15:46 Tata Manza, Tata Motors Nithyanandh K

The aging sedan clocks about 130 units a month.

Business Standard reports that the Tata Manza which is currently produced intermittently at the company's JV plant (with Fiat) at Ranjangaon near Pune is moving towards its end due to absence of demand.

Tata Manza Club Class front three quarters — The Manza is currently produced intermittently in limited numbers to keep the inventory in check.

According to the publication's sources, the five-year old Manza is produced in very limited quantities and there would be further drop in the output since the company is focusing fully on increasing the supply of the in-demand Zest compact sedan. The Zest has provided Tata Motors with a much needed relief in brand image and sales volume, outselling the Honda Amaze in October.

The one of a kind diesel AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) variant in particular enjoys high demand and hence the company is working intensely to ramp up the procurement of the AMT kits.

Tata Zest at the 2014 Indonesia International Motor Show front quarter — A high demand for the Zest means, the Manza could eventually be phased out.

The Manza which sits a segment above the Zest, with competition coming from the Toyota Etios, Maruti Dzire Tour and Chevrolet Sail, managed to clock a paltry monthly average of 130 units during the period between April to September 2014.

Also read: Tata Bolt features and specifications

Considering that the newly launched Zest and upcoming Bolt, two must-win products, need the company's full focus when it comes to production and marketing, phasing out the Manza appears to be a sensible idea.

[Source: Business Standard]